Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
302 Lions and Children and Bears...BACKPACKING!!!
Sleeping with your food. Hanging a bear bag. Using a bear canister. Ursack. Odor-proof bags. Everyone has an opinion—but what actually makes sense when you’re out overnight in the backcountry?
In this episode, we break down the most common wildlife food storage strategies used by backpackers and hikers, including traditional bear hangs, bear canisters, Ursacks, and the all-too-common practice of keeping food in or near your shelter. We talk through what works, what doesn’t, and why so many people end up confused or doing things inconsistently.
We also discuss how bears (and other wildlife) learn behavior, why “good enough” food storage can still create problems, and how individual choices can affect not just your trip—but future hikers and the animals themselves.
This isn’t about fear or shaming. It’s about understanding risk, responsibility, and realistic decision-making in the outdoors.
302 Lions and Children and Bears...BACKPACKING!!!
Sleeping with your food. Hanging a bear bag. Using a bear canister. Ursack. Odor-proof bags. Everyone has an opinion—but what actually makes sense when you’re out overnight in the backcountry?
In this episode, we break down the most common wildlife food storage strategies used by backpackers and hikers, including traditional bear hangs, bear canisters, Ursacks, and the all-too-common practice of keeping food in or near your shelter. We talk through what works, what doesn’t, and why so many people end up confused or doing things inconsistently.
We also discuss how bears (and other wildlife) learn behavior, why “good enough” food storage can still create problems, and how individual choices can affect not just your trip—but future hikers and the animals themselves.
This isn’t about fear or shaming. It’s about understanding risk, responsibility, and realistic decision-making in the outdoors.
